Family: Leporidae, Hares and Rabbits view all from this family

Description A large hare. Thick, kinky fur. In summer, brownish above interspersed with black hairs, white below; in winter, grayish above. Tail black on top, pale below. Ears moderately long. L 24-30" (600-750 mm); T 2 3/4-3 7/8" (70-100 mm); HF 5 1/8-6 3/4" (130-170 mm); E 3 1/8-3 7/8" (79-100 mm); Wt 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg).

Similar Species Black-tailed Jackrabbit has black on rump above tail. Snowshoe Hare is smaller, with smaller ears; tail is brown in summer.

Breeding Mates at any time of year, chiefly from late winter through early summer. 3 or 4 litters per year, each of 2-4 young. Gestation 30-40 days.

Habitat Open fields in rolling country; sometimes sparse woods.

Range Great Lakes region east to New York and New England.

Discussion Introduced into Dutchess County, New York, in 1893, the European Hare is the largest hare in its range. By day, it rests in a form scratched out in an area with an unobstructed view and a gentle draft that carries sound so predators may be heard before they are glimpsed. When pursued, it seeks to elude a predator with confusing movements involving sharp turns, backtracking, and recrossing of its path. Normally taking about 4 feet (1.2 m) per leap, when in a hurry it bounds to 12 feet (3.7 m) and can clear obstacles 5 feet (1.5 m) high. It has been timed at 30 mph (50 km/h) over a quarter-mile (.5 km) stretch and in bursts can make 45 mph (75 km/h). Like many lagomorphs, the European Hare is a good swimmer and will not hesitate to cross a river. It feeds on grass, clover, wheat, corn, apples, berries, and many green plants in summer, resorting to twigs and buds in winter. During the mating season, males battle fiercely. The young are born in a grass-lined nest in a form. The mother scatters the newborns in separate forms and visits each form nightly to nurse. To assemble the newborns, she gives a low, bugle-like call. European Hares scream when distressed and give a warning noise by grating their teeth. Foxes and Bobcats are their major predators. Many individuals are killed by farm machinery, however, because they often respond to danger by freezing in their tracks. This hare is the original Easter Bunny. According to a Germanic legend, Eostre, goddess of spring, created the first hare from a bird, and to show its gratitude, the hare has ever since laid eggs during the Easter festival in her honor.